TAMPA, Florida (AP) - When classes resume Monday at Hillsborough County elementary schools, an armed police officer or deputy will be on duty at each one for security purposes.

The Tampa Tribune reports that precaution was taken in local schools following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut on Dec. 14 that left 26 dead, including 20 students.

Officials said Wednesday that the additional security - armed officers or deputies already are assigned to the district's middle and high schools - will be extended to elementary schools the remainder of the school year.

That decision comes after a joint meeting between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa police Department and school district staff.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office and Tampa police will have a uniformed presence in about 150 elementary schools countywide.